Merlin Entertainments has promoted Fiona Eastwood to chief operating officer of its Midway attractions and resort theme parks.
Eastwood is starting in her role with immediate effect. She is taking on the additional management and strategic growth of Merlin’s theme parks in the UK and Europe.
These include Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures and Warwick Castle, as well as Gardaland in Italy and Heide Park in Germany.
She will continue to oversee Midway brands such as the Sea Life aquariums, Madame Tussauds, the Dungeons, and Lego Discovery Centres.
Since 2019, Eastwood has been Merlin’s chief operating officer of global Midway attractions, managing more than 125 venues across the world.
She joined the company as global marketing director of Midway attractions in 2015. Prior to Merlin, she worked at BBC Worldwide.
“I’m passionate about making Merlin the greatest place to work,” said Eastwood.
“We have the very best set of current brands to build and develop and an amazing pipeline of IP that will transform our growth strategy across both our Midway and resort divisions.”
‘I recognise my important role as a female leader’
“I also recognise my important role as a female leader, both here at Merlin but also across the attractions industry,” she added.
“I have found that being my genuine self, combined with hard work and a focus on getting the very best from people is what makes the true difference.”
Eastwood will work closely with Ian Crabbe, managing director of resort theme parks, until his planned retirement in 2024.
“I am thrilled that Fiona has been promoted to this new wider remit,” said Scott O’Neil, Merlin’s new chief executive officer.
“Under Fiona’s expanded leadership, Merlin will continue its focus on efficiently building world-class attractions with the best IP in the world, an obsession on the guest experience and a laser focus on effective marketing at our core.”
Images: Merlin Entertainments
